Head coach Warren Gatland today named his 37-man British & Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia, and there were several surprises in terms of inclusions and exclusions from the party.

We take a look at the winners and losers from Gatland’s announcement.

WINNERS

SEAN MAITLAND: The New Zealand-born wing has just five Scotland caps to his name, having made the move to Glasgow this season. But his solid all-round game and undoubted finishing ability sees him given the nod over the likes of Tim Visser and Simon Zebo.

DYLAN HARTLEY: The Northampton hooker has played second fiddle to Tom Youngs with England and has not enjoyed a stellar season. But his combative nature make him a more than useful ally in the trenches and appears to have won over Gatland, who famously criticised him before Wales played England in the 2011 Six Nations.

JAMIE HEASLIP: The Leinster number eight was outstanding in South Africa in 2009, but his form dropped off markedly during the Six Nations and he looked a shadow of his old self. His provincial form has recovered so he just sneaks in.

RICHIE GRAY: The giant lock has endured a difficult season in a struggling Sale side and has been some way short of his rampaging best. A hamstring injury has also hampered him but Gatland clearly trusts he will thrive Down Under.

MATT STEVENS: The Saracens prop is the only player in the party not playing international rugby after standing down from England duty last year. Has impressed while playing for his club and the story of his return from a two-year drugs ban to feature on a second Lions tour is truly remarkable.

CHRIS ROBSHAW: Can consider himself very, very unfortunate. The Harlequins flanker has been the heartbeat of an England side he has led with some aplomb. Was touted as a potential Lions captain before the Chariot was derailed in Cardiff, six weeks later he is not even on the plan. A tough call.

GREIG LAIDLAW: The scrum-half, who can also play at fly-half, was an integral part of Scotland’s improvement during the Six Nations, and has consistently excelled over the last 18 months. His versatility was not quite enough to get him the nod.

RORY BEST: Regarded for much of the season as a certainty to tour Australia this summer. The Ulsterman was for the most part seen as the favourite to wear the Test shirt, but with the Irish line-out misfiring he lost confidence and it has cost him.

SIMON ZEBO: Looked a star in the making with his stunning display for Ireland in their breathless win over Wales in Cardiff, but he broke a bone in his foot against England the following weekend and the ensuing lay-off appears to have cost him.

JONNY WILKINSON: Not many had expected Wilkinson to make the tour due to his advancing years and commitments with French club Toulon. However, his form, particularly in European competition, merited a call and it appears Gatland was prepared to take him, only for the fly-half to turn it down due to concerns over his fitness. For a player of Wilkinson’s calibre to reject a Lions invitation is very disappointing.